Get in the Orange

Orangetheory Newport Beach is a unique fitness studio nestled in the Westcliff Plaza at the corner of Irvine Ave. and Westcliff Dr. in Newport, one of my regular shopping destinations.

After their Grand Opening early this year, I was intrigued by this juicy new workout, because of course, we’ve got a citrus bond going on, but beyond my “orange” obsession, I kept hearing people around town raving about this one-of-a-kind workout.

The juice on Orangetheory Newport Beach

You gotta try it mamas. Seriously, after my first workout, I was hooked.

The workout is based on what is known as the “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption” or EPOC theory, which is the exercise “after burn” effect. In this case, the after burn doesn’t mean sore muscles (although those are a common side effect!) but this kind of after burn means an increase to your metabolism and calories burned 24-36 hours AFTER you workout.

How is the after burn created?

Everyone is given a heart rate monitor and POD so you can track your 5 Zone Interval training sessions in the Orange 60 one hour workout.

All the names and heart rate percentages are displayed on a big screen during the hour so you can see exactly how hard you are working.

If you exceed 84% of your maximum heart rate – you “Get in the Orange” – the sweet spot!

To get you into your sweet spot, there are multiple intervals designed to produce 12 – 20 minutes of training within the Orange Zone, to create that after burn effect.

What is the workout like?

Susanne and I did our first class last week, and we loved it so much, we had to sign up for another one two days later.

It’s FUN! It’s hard, yes, but the energy in the room from the trainer directing the workout, and all the other people make it really fun.

It’s also fast paced, so it went quick.

You don’t have to be intimidated either, because you control your workout and can push yourself, or pull back as needed. Even though you are in a room full of people, your workout is just that, all yours.

What do you do?

The hour is a mix of work on the treadmill (you can speed walk, jog or run), rowing machines and strength training floor work which could include weights, squats, lunges, burpees, etc.

I loved that it is truly a full body workout, with 55 minutes of cardio as your heart rate will still stay up even during the strength training intervals.

After the workout is over, the screen will give you your total workout stats, including calories burned and the time (and percentage of time) you spent in each of the 5 Zones.

Workout email reports: 487 calories baby!

About 10 minutes after my workout, I got this cool report in my Inbox that showed all of my workout stats. In the 55 minutes, I burned 487 calories! YAY!

I chatted briefly with the owner afterwards, and he estimated I would like burn another 200 – 250 due to the after-burn. So, overall, in my 55 minutes I likely burned up to 700 + calories. That’s a LOT.

Talk about an effective way to spend 55 minutes exercising!

Orangetheory tips

If you go, there are a few tips I will give you as a recent newbie.

1. You don’t need your own heart rate monitor, one is provided.

2. The first workout is a little like learning a new language, because you likely have never experienced a workout like this before. Be patient and just watch your neighbor. You will get the hang of it after you hear the lingo over and over. It will take a few times until you have the “hang of it”.

3. Bring a big bottle of water. You will need it.

4. Bring your own towel. You will need it.

5. Make your class reservation ahead of time by calling 949-630-0555. Classes fill up quick; this is a HOT workout!

6. Don’t push it too hard the first time ~ listen to your body and just focus on getting the hang of it. There will be plenty of time to push yourself as you keep going.

I know. And as a busy mom, if I am going to take 55 minutes out of the crazy day to exercise, I want it to be EFFECTIVE – which is why I love this workout so much. You have to try it! Want to join me??